Time Magazine’s Person of the Year

Life in the Boomer Lane took a break from reading accusations that Barack Obama is a Muslim Communist, in order to review the past year. Many people would agree that 2014 can’t end soon enough. It has seemed, at times, that we have all been on a long downhill slide, greased by the hijacking of one of the world’s great religions and the hijacking of one of the country’s great political parties. Ebola taught us that the farther away from danger we were, the more hysterical we got. Ferguson reminded us that the divide between black and white is anything but black and white. The relentless physical assault of the planet may have started to be noticed. The divide between rich and poor kept getting wider, while the haves promoted even more ways to have. Cyber-terrorism started to manifest itself in earnest. We were told that we were the safest from crime than we had even been before. Our reaction was to buy more guns.

But, since LBL’s mother always told her that if you don’t have anything nice to say about someone, don’t say anything at all, she will stop ragging on the state of Ms Planet and, instead, find the joy. After all, it’s not the planet’s fault. Earth was just hanging there, along with all the other planets, being perfectly fine, until Life discovered it. Then, like a case of fleas, Life was all over the place, eventually turning into Humans. Earth is still trying to cope, using things like the Polar Vortex as a way of scratching the itch.

So, in an effort to present what was great this past year, LBL has done a lot of exhaustive research. She admits that this has been tough. Mostly, sites like this are filled with the comings and goings of celebs, touting marriages, babies, and awards. And, while LBL is filled with joy to see that several high-powered celebs found love with other high-powered celebs, without having to resort to the tedious steps required by online dating sites, she was looking for something a bit more significant.

Then, her Time Magazine arrived. She was gratified that Time’s Person of the Year is The Ebola Fighters. For all the obvious reasons, these folks deserve the biggest shout out we can give them, especially because, ever since the daily screaming headlines about Ebola have disappeared, most Americans have pretty much forgotten what all the fuss was about anyway. And, like Donald Trump, many believe that, while these people are doing good deeds, they shouldn’t expect us to extend ourselves if they get into trouble doing so.

If you have Time, read the article. If you don’t, buy the magazine. The people highlighted aren’t any smarter or more capable than the rest of us. They simply saw a desperate need and they responded. It just so happens that responding to that need put their own lives at risk. It was done in locations that most of us don’t usually give much thought to, and under circumstances that most of us avoid thinking about.

So, here’s to you, Ebola Fighters. You are making the world a safer place, without carrying, let alone using, a gun. You are making the world a more compassionate place, without having the dictates of a religion direct you to do so. You have reminded those of us who care about such things, that it is entirely possible to take a stand for others, without diminishing our own lives in the process.

Renee, you have outdone yourself. Well said. I was moved when “60 Minutes” had the Dallas team on the show and each was so moved to help this poor man who died without family around. Through tears they said this man was so thankful for the smallest of courtesies. And, then when you move across the ocean to the seat of Ebola, you have the same compassionate people working with less equipment, with fewer beds, with a public that is reacting to real fear and false information and they are champions, as they risk death where death can more easily find them. This was Time Magazine at its best. Well done and happy holidays, BTG

Thanks, BTG. It’s always overwhelming to me to see people extend themselves in huge ways to those who have little or nothing. Each time I hear of a story, my faith in humanity gets a boost. Have a great holiday, my friend. –Renee

Time’s choice was inspired! These brave and selfless people not only deserve this tribute, but also the gratitude of the whole planet. Unfortunately, with our tiny, little span of attention, it will probably be short-lived… until the next cable news crisis emerges. Great post!

I was surprised to find myself riveted while reading this Time. Normally I turn the pages really fast when there’s anything about the world coming to an end and we can’t change it. But this made me feel hopeful for the human race, which otherwise appears to be turning into hordes of planet-destroying zombies. Ebola Fighters gave me hope. They are angels.

Your saying the human race is turning into hordes of planet-destroying zombies is such a perfect way to describe what is happening around the world. We are all becoming our own sci fi film. But the Ebola fighters and others keep the spark of humanity going.

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